Arriving in North Rhine-Westphalia. First steps to finding your way in our Community. english (englisch)

Transcription

1 Arriving in North Rhine-Westphalia. First steps to finding your way in our Community. english (englisch)

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3 Welcome to North Rhine-Westphalia! Your journey here has been long and difficult. You are seeking shelter and new prospects in Germany. I am glad that you have arrived in North Rhine-Westphalia. All beginnings are difficult and that is why we would like to provide you with help and advice. North Rhine-Westphalia is a state characterised by its diversity. This is something we are proud of. Over four million people in North Rhine-Westphalia have roots in other countries. And North Rhine-Westphalia is a state in which a willingness to help others is a priority. In addition to the official points of contact outlined in this brochure, you will meet people who will help you on a voluntary basis and offer you a wide range of assistance and support. In this publication you will find information on the points of contact you should visit first and on where you can seek advice and support. In addition, important terms that you will come across in everyday life are explained. You will also find sources of information that might be of interest to you. The high demand for the first edition of this brochure, the many suggestions and tips we have received as well as the numerous legal changes have prompted us to update the publication. The second edition is complemented by further links, new definitions and by the new chapter Contracts and Purchases. These recommendations are designed to help you get started, to find your way around here and to feel at home as quickly as possible. The people of North Rhine- Westphalia will be only too happy to help you! Rainer Schmeltzer Minister of Labour, Integration and Social Affairs of the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia 3

4 Table of Contents 4

5 Table of Contents Introduction 6 1 Registration in Your Town 10 2 Residence 12 3 Social Benefits 14 4 Current Account 22 5 Children and Family 24 6 Language and Culture 26 7 Training and Work 28 8 Contracts and Purchases 32 Further Information 34 Glossary 40 Editorial Information 47 5

6 Introduction This brochure has been prepared for you. This information is targeted at you as a refugee if you have arrived under a Humanitarian Reception Programme run by the Federal Government and the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia or you have been recognised in Germany as being entitled to asylum or as a refugee in accordance with the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, or have been granted subsidiary protection, or your application for asylum has not yet been processed and, as a person seeking protection, you intend to stay in Germany for a longer period and, after your reception at a federal state facility for refugees, you have already been assigned to a town/city. This especially applies to you as an asylum seeker for the period in which your application for asylum is being processed if you have a good prospect of remaining in Germany because you originate from a country such as Syria, Iran, Iraq, Eritrea and Afghanistan and are likely to be granted a residence permit. Information for family members The aim of this brochure is not only to help newcomers seeking protection to get off to a good start. We also wish to give those supporting you at the beginning some guidance on how they might best be able to help. Under a Humanitarian Reception Programme, you can take care of a few things before a planned arrival. This brochure provides tips as to the issues that can be clarified before your relatives arrive in Germany. 6

7 One thing at a time This being a new country for you, some things might seem strange or even a bit complicated to you at the beginning. This publication explains what you have to know to find your way in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to information on registering in North Rhine-Westphalia, you will find valuable information on seeking employment and learning German, as well as many other interesting facts. Simply follow the steps in this brochure, one after another. We have provided a checklist for some of the steps to help you remember all the required documents. Seek individual advice if you are not in possession of these documents! Words and terms marked in bold and in colour will be explained again at the end of this publication. 7

8 Introduction Seek advice and support You will undoubtedly have many questions, not all of which can be answered by reading this brochure. Whether you need help filling in forms, dealing with agencies and authorities, seeking advice/counselling in times of distress, looking for language courses, schools and child day care or finding doctors/hospitals, there are various advice centres in the town or city where you now live which will be pleased to help you. You can visit one of the following advice centres and, if you wish, take someone along with you. Individual counselling and active support can be obtained from the staff of the Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants (MBE Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zuwanderer). If your application for asylum is still being processed, please contact a social counselling centre for refugees (counselling for refugees). The Youth Migration Service (Jugendmigrationsdienst) is dedicated to supporting young people between the ages of 12 and 27. It can provide you with individual counselling on issues of relevance to you in your new environment. To help you rapidly gain a foothold, you will be given particular support in the areas of education, training and choice of occupation. Many towns and cities have a Municipal Integration Commissioner and/or Municipal Integration Centres that will also be pleased to assist you with any questions or difficulties you may have and to put you in touch with the person who can help you. They can also tell you who to contact with regard to matters concerning your children and who can assist you with translations. Associations and organisations such as the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO Workers Welfare Association), Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK German Red Cross), Diakonie (Social Welfare Organisation of the Protestant Church in Germany), Caritas Germany, Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband (Association of Welfare Organisations) or local Refugee Councils not only provide assistance for people experiencing all kinds of distress but also offer migrants a wide variety of social support. Migrants self-help organisations also provide helpful support at local level. 8

9 The advice centres of the professional development counselling programme (BBE Beratung zur beruflichen Entwicklung) and the NRW IQ Network provide you with expert counselling regarding the vocational qualifications you have obtained abroad. This counselling includes assisting you in applying for recognition of your vocational qualifications, supporting you in the case of problems related to this procedure and helping you to find ways of obtaining the qualifications which may be required for full recognition of your vocational qualifications. The Integration Points set up in Employment Agencies and Job Centres support asylum seekers and refugees in integrating in the labour market as quickly as possible. Religious communities of the different religions can be found in many German towns and cities. Whether Jewish, Muslim, Roman Catholic or Protestant communities, many of them provide support for migrants in your town/city. If you would like to know more, feel free to ask a religious community in your area. Local advice centres will also provide you with further information. Women who have been traumatised by violence can receive counselling and support from special women s support facilities (such as women s counselling centres and rape crisis centres) and can be provided with secure accommodation in a women s shelter. The helpline Violence against Women ( Gewalt gegen Frauen ) ( ) offers 24/7 telephone advice free of charge and can put you in touch with local support facilities. A female interpreter will be used in the case of women who do not yet speak enough German. Traumatised persons and persons requiring psychological support or who are seeking help because of their sexual identity should ask the social counselling centre for refugees (counselling for refugees) to get details of a psycho-social counselling or a local self-help group. 9

10 1 Registration in Your Town What do I have to do? Go to the Town Hall in the town where you are now living. There is a Citizens Services Office (Bürgerbüro) in the Town Hall. There you will learn which local agencies you need to contact first and where to find them, for example the Aliens Office (Ausländeramt), Residents Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), Social Security Office (Sozialamt) and Housing Office (Wohnungsamt). 10

11 Why do I have to go to the Town Hall? Once you have moved into accommodation in your town, you are obliged to have yourself registered with the Residents Registration Office (Citizens Services Office) in the Town Hall. If you are living in an accommodation facility, it is possible that you have already been registered with the Residents Registration Office. Consult your local accommodation facility. The Residents Registration Office will issue you with a Registration Certificate (Meldebescheinigung) for submission to other authorities and agencies. What do I have to bring along? Birth certificate, certificate of marriage or civil partnership, as applicable Passport or replacement papers (proof of identity) Visa If available, Certificate of Registration as an Asylum Seeker (BüMA Bescheinigung über die Meldung als Asylsuchende/-r) or proof of arrival Confirmation from your relatives if you are living with them or Certificate from your landlord if you are renting accommodation 11

12 2 Residence What do I have to do? Go to your local Aliens Office (Ausländeramt). If you have applied for asylum and are in possession of a Certificate of Registration as an Asylum Seeker or proof of arrival, or if you have already received a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltsgestattung), you should go to the Aliens Office without delay. If you have arrived on a visa, you should go to the Aliens Office as soon as possible but, at the latest, before your visa expires. 12

13 Why do I have to go to the Aliens Office? At the Aliens Office you can settle everything concerning your residence. You need an official permit to stay in Germany. This document includes precise information on the purpose of your stay in Germany and whether you are permitted to work here. As an asylum seeker, you will initially receive a provisional identity document (Certificate of Registration as an Asylum Seeker) or proof of arrival or temporary residence permit. In connection with this, the Aliens Office will also inform you about where you may stay in Germany. What do I have to bring along? Birth certificate, certificate of marriage or civil partnership, as applicable Passport or replacement papers (proof of identity) Visa If available, Certificate of Registration as an Asylum Seeker or proof of arrival or temporary residence permit If available, any documents connected with your admission to a Humanitarian Reception Programme 13

14 3 Social Benefits What are social benefits? Germany has a comprehensive social security system for various life situations. Depending on your personal situation, the benefits may vary and different authorities may be responsible for you. You should contact your local advice centre in order to find out which benefits are available to you. The following paragraphs provide an initial overview. If you are an asylum-seeker, you will receive benefits in accordance with the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz) from your town s Social Security Office. 14

15 If you are not yet allowed to work or have not found a job and do not have any other financial resources, you apply for social benefits at your local Job Centre. If you are unable to work because you are permanently ill or older than 65, you apply for benefits at your local Social Security Office. Note If you have arrived under the Humanitarian Reception Programme of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia for Syrian Refugees, you will be subject to special regulations. Your relatives or other persons have submitted a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) for you before your arrival in the Federal Republic of Germany. In doing so, they have committed themselves to bearing some of the costs of your stay, above all accommodation and living costs. This does not, however, include costs arising through illness, pregnancy, childbirth, the need for long-term care or through disability, because you are entitled to state benefits to cover these costs. 15

16 Social Benefits Accommodation What do I have to do? If your family members or friends are already living in North Rhine-Westphalia, and if you have arrived here within the framework of a Humanitarian Reception Programme, your family and friends will already have organised accommodation for you. If this is not the case, or if you are an asylum seeker, you initially have the possibility, and indeed obligation, to live temporarily in an accommodation facility of your town. Please contact the Social Security Office or the Housing Office in the Town Hall of your town if you are searching for other accommodation or want to know if you are entitled to receive housing allowance (Wohngeld). If you have found other accommodation, you are obliged to have yourself registered with the Residents Registration Office in the Town Hall (see Step 1 Registration). There you will receive a Registration Certificate for your current home address. If you have been assigned to an accommodation facility and have moved there initially, please enquire at this facility if you have to go to the Residents Registration Office (see Step 1 - Registration) or if your data has already been forwarded to the Residents Registration Office. It is essential that you inform your Aliens Office and the Federal Office for Migration und Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) of your new address without delay. 16

17 Health care What do I have to do? If you are ill, you should first go to a local physician. If necessary, these physicians will refer you to a specialist or even to a hospital. If you have toothache, please see a dentist. Children and adolescents are treated by paediatricians. Information on local physicians (including languages spoken) or hospitals can be found on the Internet. If you are an asylum seeker, the town where you are staying will pay for any medical treatment you may need until your application for asylum has been processed. This comprises the necessary treatment of acute illnesses and pain conditions including the provision of medicines and bandaging material. In addition, medical services connected with pregnancy and childbirth will be paid for, as well as the recommended preventive check-ups and vaccinations for you and your children. 17

18 Social Benefits If you want to see a physician or dentist for medical or dental treatment, you must first obtain a medical treatment voucher at your town s Social Security Office, unless you have already received a health card. If you have had an accident or your pain is so severe that you cannot wait, you may go directly to a physician or a hospital. In this case, the physician or the hospital is obliged to provide emergency medical care. You will receive the medical treatment voucher or health card at your town s Social Security Office. If you have any further questions, please contact local advice centres such as the Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants (Migrationsberatungsstellen für erwachsene Zuwanderer) or a counselling centre for refugees (Flüchtlingsberatungsstellen). The same applies if you have arrived here within the framework of the Humanitarian Reception Programme of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia for Syrian Refugees. If you have not submitted an application for asylum, you have to obtain health insurance. Statutory or private health insurance will pay the treatment costs if you are ill. This includes, but is not limited to, medical services for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of illnesses (medical/dental treatment, medication, hospital treatment, medical rehabilitation services). Medical services in connection with pregnancy and childbirth will also be paid for. Therefore, you should become a member of one of the many health insurance schemes as soon as possible. Your relatives, or staff of the advice centres mentioned in this brochure (e.g. the Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants and counselling centres for refugees), can help you select a health insurance scheme. 18

19 Child allowance What do I have to do? In Germany, families with children usually receive financial support from the government. This allowance is intended specifically for child support and is normally paid until the child reaches the age of 18. But there are also exceptions to this rule. Seek advice from the Job Centre, the Social Security Office or the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) to find out whether you are entitled to child allowance. You can submit an application for child allowance at your town s Family Benefits Office. Note There are other cases where you are entitled to social benefits, e.g. parental allowance. In addition, you may receive financial support during pregnancy, if you are a single parent, or for the initial furnishing of an apartment. Contact the Job Centre or the Social Security Office in your town. 19

20 Social Benefits What do I have to bring along to the Social Security Office, the Housing Office, the Family Benefits Office, the Job Centre, the health insurance company or the medical consultation? Birth certificate, certificate of marriage or civil partnership, as applicable Passport or replacement papers (proof of identity) Visa Home address with proof Registration Certificate from the Residents Registration Office Certificate of Registration as an Asylum Seeker or proof of arrival or temporary residence permit Electronic residence permit or replacement papers from the Aliens Office If available, proof of income and/or assets If available, proof of health and long-term care insurance including proof of the level of contribution payments If available, any documents connected with your admission to a Humanitarian Reception Programme To the physician: Medical treatment voucher from the Social Security Office or, if available, health card, proof of identity (birth certificate, passport or replacement papers) and vaccination card, medical certificates, medical records, if you have them. 20

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22 4 Current Account Why do I need a current account? For most of the financial benefits you receive from agencies and authorities, you will need a bank account so that the money can be transferred. If you are working, your wage/salary will also be transferred to this current account. 22

23 What do I have to do? Open a current account at a bank or savings bank (Sparkasse). What can your relatives do beforehand? They can obtain information on the costs and services of the various banks or savings banks. What do I have to bring along? Passport or replacement papers (proof of identity) Electronic residence permit or replacement papers from the Aliens Office Registration Certificate from the Residents Registration Office 23

24 5 Children and Family Children below school age Children under 6 may be cared for in a day-care centre. Day-care for children under 3 may also be provided by male or female childminders. Children between the age of 1 and the start of school are legally entitled to a place in a childcare facility. For further information, contact the Municipal Integration Centres (Kommunale Integrationszentren) or your local Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt). 24

25 Children of school age In Germany, school attendance is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 18. School attendance is free of charge. Children of school age must be enrolled at a school as quickly as possible. Some schools provide German lessons in special learning groups, especially for children just starting school. What do I have to do? In all matters concerning child day care and school attendance, seek advice from the Municipal Integration Centre, the Youth Welfare Office or the Family Centre (Familienzentrum). What do I have to bring along? Passport or replacement papers (proof of identity) Electronic residence permit or replacement papers from the Aliens Office (This does not apply to school enrolment! Residence status is of no relevance to school admission in North Rhine-Westphalia) Birth certificate(s) of your child or children Home address with proof Registration Certificate from the Residents Registration Office 25

26 6 Language and Culture There is a range of programmes for learning German language and culture to help you communicate as quickly as possible. This is important as it will enable you to take greater control of your life. On integration courses, which are offered throughout the country, you can learn German and receive information about the country s legal system, history and culture, as well as the values that are important in Germany. Your opportunities for participation depend on your status as a refugee. 26

27 What do I have to do? For information on the opportunities available to you and on German language courses, contact the above-mentioned advice centres. What can your relatives do beforehand? They can obtain information on language and integration courses. Contact the above-mentioned advice centres for more information. What do I have to bring along? Passport or replacement papers (proof of identity) Electronic residence permit or replacement papers from the Aliens Office Birth certificate Home address with proof Registration Certificate from the Residents Registration Office 27

28 7 Training and Work Vocational training Vocational training is a good basis for finding a job. In Germany, there is a wide range of professions, with approximately 330 recognised as requiring training. Vocational training under the dual system is the most frequently conducted form of vocational training. This training takes place both in a company and at a vocational college. While training, you already work in your company and become familiar with all the activities. A vocational training course under the dual system is free of charge. During training, you already earn your own money. A training course takes between 2 and 3-and-a-half years, depending on the vocation. After completing your training, you have a good chance of finding a job or remaining with your company. 28

29 What do I have to do? In order to start training, you have to apply for a trainee position. Note If you start in-company training, you do not need the approval of the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit). If you undertake a period of work experience (Praktikum), this will give you an opportunity to learn more about a vocation and a company. As a rule, you do not need the Employment Agency s approval either and a work permit from the Aliens Office is only required in certain cases (if you have been granted a temporary residence permit or temporary suspension of deportation). Starting work is an important step on your way towards feeling at home in your town. However, some regulations must be observed, and it is often not so easy to find a job. 29

30 Training and Work Employment What do I have to do? Ask the Aliens Office in your town if you are allowed to work in Germany with your residence permit. Seek advice at the Integration Point of the responsible Employment Agency what employment opportunities are available to you. The Employment Agency responsible for you is the one in the area of the town or city where you are staying. Employment Agencies and Job Centres offer plenty of information on topics regarding the labour market, looking and applying for a job, working-time models and childcare, as well as under certain conditions qualifications and possible financial support. You can also find these agencies in your town. If your application for asylum has not yet been processed, you will have to contact the Employment Agency. If you already receive financial benefits from your local Job Centre, this Job Centre will also support you in your search for employment. If you have not been in touch with an Employment Agency or Job Centre so far, you should contact an Integration Point, where the advisory services provided by the Employment Agency and the Job Centre are pooled. For the purpose of pursuing an occupation, you can have the vocational and school-leaving qualifications you have obtained abroad recognised. This will always involve comparing your qualification with the corresponding German qualification. The Integration Points, Employment Agency and Job Centres can provide you with initial information on the recognition procedure for vocational qualifications. To find the body responsible for the recognition and verification procedure in your field, please visit the website Applications can be submitted directly to the responsible bodies. Applications can also be submitted electronically via the NRW single point of contact 30

31 The Integration Points, Employment Agency and Job Centres can provide you with initial information on the recognition procedure for vocational qualifications. The advice centres of the professional development counselling programme of North Rhine-Westphalia and the NRW IQ Network can then provide you with comprehensive expert counselling on the recognition of vocational qualifications. What do I have to bring along? Passport or replacement papers (proof of identity) Electronic residence permit or replacement papers from the Aliens Office Birth certificate Home address with proof Registration Certificate from the Residents Registration Office If available, documents regarding your vocational qualifications and employment If you apply for a trainee position, you will also need a covering letter, your curriculum vitae and relevant certificates 31

32 8 Contracts and Purchases You will undoubtedly soon want to sign a contract to be able to use your mobile phone or to set up your own personal Internet connection. Perhaps you wish to buy the necessary equipment or make other major purchases. You may also have to sign insurance contracts. This might make you feel uncertain because you are not yet proficient in German or because you are not yet familiar with German laws. To avoid being deceived or entering into unnecessary obligations, it is best to seek advice before signing contracts. Obtaining advice may be useful even after you have signed a contract. The Consumer Advisory Service can help you with such matters by providing information, personal advice or even legal representation. 32

33 What do I have to do? Seek advice from the Consumer Advisory Service! Find out online about the issues with which the advice centres of the Consumer Advisory Service can help you. There you will also find the address of your nearest advice centre. Please first contact the advice centre by telephone or . This may save you an unnecessary journey and avoid misunderstandings. What do I have to bring along? All documents (e.g. letters and invoices) related to the matter concerned. If you do not yet speak enough German: an interpreter 33

34 Further Information Is there anything left to do? There are certainly many more things to do, such as having your driving license recognised, documents translated and certificates and vocational qualifications recognised. You can work through these points step by step. The above-mentioned advice centres will also be pleased to help you with these matters. Information on the Internet Here you can find details of the Anti-Discrimination Offices in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Information on other advice centres can be found under: If you have been discriminated against in Germany on the grounds of your religion or origin, these advice centres can provide confidential counselling, support and explain your rights free of charge provide information on the recognition of vocational qualifications obtained abroad. Single point of contact in North Rhine-Westphalia for electronic applications for recogni tion of vocational qualifications obtained abroad. Information portal for foreign vocational qualifications (BQ portal) Here you can find a lot of information about looking for a job, training, financial support during training and employment as well as information on the recognition of foreign vocational qualifications and also links to advice centres and agencies that can provide information and support. 34

35 The website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees provides general information for migrants, including information on the Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants; you can also use the WebGIS information system on the site in order to find a local Migration Advisory Service. Information on careers Using the search term child allowance refugees, you will find a multilingual flyer explaining the requirements for qualifying for child allowance. You will also find flyers with information on child allowance for unaccompanied underage refugees and flyers providing an overview of all other benefits for families in Germany. North Rhine-Westphalia offers wide-ranging assistance to girls, women and their relatives who are affected by physical, psychological or sexual violence and seek information, advice or refuge. This link provides women affected by violence with information on where to seek help in NRW. The helpline Violence against Women, which offers telephone advice in a number of languages, can be contacted 24/7. Information on women s counselling centres 35

36 Further Information With their facilities and services, members of the independent welfare organisations in NRW offer the whole spectrum of social assistance on a non-profit basis. They are characterised by different ideological and religious motives and objectives. This website contains a directory (Netzheft) of the Refugee Council for NRW (Flüchtlingsrat NRW e.v.), which lists all the advice centres, initiatives and individuals involved in the work for refugees in NRW. The website of the Refugee Council for NRW provides comprehensive information. Information on physicians, pharmacies and other health care facilities can be found on this website. Regularly updated overview of central programmes for integration in the training and labour market targeted mainly at young refugees. Learning portal for people who would like to improve their German language skills. The portal can also be accessed by smartphone and operated in 16 source languages. Overview of vacant trainee positions The Youth Migration Services (JMD Jugendmigrationsdienste) offered by the Youth Social Work (Jugendsozialarbeit) are primarily tasked with providing social educational support to young people with a migrant background during the transitional period between school, training and work. 36

37 The Municipal Integration Centres Statewide Coordination Agency (LaKI Landesweite Koordinierungsstelle Kommunaler Integrationszentren) coordinates the work of Municipal Integration Centres in NRW. They combine the fields of education and integration. Using the search term language courses, you can find free places in integration courses. This website is a guide to early childhood education. It provides information on nearly 10,000 child day-care centres and contact details of child day-care providers, the Family Centres and the 186 Youth Welfare Offices in NRW. This multilingual portal informs specialists about their career opportunities. The website has a hotline, Working and Living in Germany (+49 (0) ), which offers advice in English on the recognition of foreign vocational qualifications. Here you can obtain information on training as well as information leaflets in the following languages: English, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Italian, Arabic, Spanish, French and Serbo-Croatian. The website of the Ministry of the Interior and Municipal Affairs (Ministerium für Inneres und Kommunales) of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia contains information connected with aliens law. 37

38 Further Information demokratiefuermich.pdf Democracy for Me. Basic Rights in Germany ( Demokratie für mich. Grundrechte in Deutschland ) provides information on rules and values generally accepted in Germany and illustrates these with practical examples. The brochure is based on the German Basic Law. Topics such as children s rights, personal freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of religion are addressed. This part of the NRW education portal provides answers to questions that may arise regarding school matters. In addition, the German education system is explained in many languages. This website includes information on signing contracts and on goods you can buy. There are also sample letters and information about where and how you can obtain advice from consumer advice centres. If you have questions about professional development, you can find information, details of advice centres and online counselling on this website. Welcome to North Rhine-Westphalia! This website is the web version of the Welcome to NRW app, North Rhine-Westphalia s official app for refugees. It pools general and basic information and is intended to help refugees to find their way and settle into life in North Rhine-Westphalia. 38

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40 Glossary All the important terms marked in bold in this brochure are briefly explained below. Aliens Office This agency can be found in most towns and districts and enforces the law concerning aliens. Its tasks include granting and extending residence permits and issuing other residence authorisations and passport replacement papers. Asylum-Seekers Benefits Act The Asylum-Seekers Benefits Act stipulates the amount and form of benefits that asylum seekers and certain groups of migrants may claim in Germany so as to ensure a necessary level of support (e.g. food, accommodation, medical treatment during illness and pregnancy etc.). Certificate of Registration as an Asylum Seeker (BüMA) The Certificate of Registration as an Asylum Seeker (BüMA) is a certificate which is issued when an alien/refugee enters Germany and states the wish to apply for asylum. Due to a change in the law, the BüMA was modified and standardised and is now called proof of arrival (see relevant glossary entry). Child Allowance The Federal Republic of Germany assists child support and welfare through the payment of child allowance. The amount is paid up to a certain age and depends on the number of children you have. As a rule, parents may receive child allowance until their child turns 18. If the child attends a training course, entitlement to child allowance is extended until the child turns 25, but not beyond this age. You can submit an application for child allowance at your town s Family Benefits Office (see also Family Benefits Office ). 40

41 Child Day-Care Facilities Until your children reach school age, they may attend a child day-care facility. These facilities are the best way to further your child s language skills and development. There are many options for childcare in Germany. Information is available from Youth Welfare Offices, welfare associations, Family Centres, Municipal Integration Centres and churches. Compulsory School Attendance School attendance is compulsory for children living in Germany. As a rule, children of 6 and older are taught in one of a number of different types of schools, depending on the child s individual abilities. Attendance at a state-run school is free of charge. Counselling for Refugees (Social Counselling Centre for Refugees) Counselling centres for foreign refugees provide information and assistance on legal matters relating to asylum, residence and welfare. You can also receive counselling for any social, psychological, health-related or personal problems you may be experiencing. Consult the Refugee Council NRW e.v. brochure to find your nearest advice centre or psycho-social counselling service. Current Account Banks and savings banks offer current accounts, which are necessary for making non-cash payments since many financial transactions in Germany do not involve the exchange of cash. Money can be transferred to the account (e.g. cash or your salary/wage paid into the account) and debited from the account (e.g. expenditures such as rent). Please keep in mind that costs may be incurred. Electronic Residence Permit This credit card-sized document contains your personal data, your photograph, your fingerprints and any additional provisions pertaining to the cardholder. It contains information on the reason for and duration of your residence in Germany. 41

42 Glossary Employment Agency The Federal Employment Agency is a public body responsible for helping people to find work and for disbursing certain state benefits, in particular unemployment benefit and child allowance. Its other tasks include promoting vocational and further training and providing careers advice. Family Benefits Office The Family Benefits Office is where you can apply for child allowance, provided that you and your child meet the necessary requirements. The Family Benefits Office can be found at the Employment Agency. For further information contact your local Town Hall administration or social counselling centre. Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) The Federal Office performs a wide range of tasks relating to migration, integration and refugees. One of these tasks involves making decisions on the recognition of asylum applications, collecting the applicant s personal data and performing the prescribed identification measures. The Federal Office is also responsible for the government s Humanitarian Reception Programmes and integration courses, which consist of a language course and an orientation course. Health Insurance This form of insurance covers you in case of illness, since a visit to the doctor s or a stay in hospital is often extremely expensive. Housing Office This department of your town or district administration is responsible for matters related to housing and accommodation. The staff will help you find an affordable apartment. You will be paid housing allowance if you are eligible. Humanitarian Reception Programme With these programmes the Federal Republic of Germany and thus also the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia assume responsibility for people from crisis regions by making it possible for them to stay in Germany (initially for a limited period). 42

43 Integration Points The Integration Points are points of initial contact within the public employment service aimed at supporting asylum seekers and refugees in integrating in the labour market as quickly as possible. The Employment Agencies and Job Centres responsible for you work closely together and include other advice centres and authorities in this cooperation. The offers you can find here include support from the NRW IQ Network regarding the recognition of vocational qualifications. Job Centres Your local Job Centre is responsible for helping you cover the cost of living (including accommodation and heating), as soon as the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has finished reviewing your case. You will also be given help to secure your livelihood using your own financial means. This will involve trying to find you a job. Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants (MBE) The Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants provides advice tailored to your specific situation and needs. The MBE advisors of the independent welfare organisations will provide you with free help to settle into your new life in Germany. They will tell you, for example, where you can learn German and find work. You will also receive information on health insurance, the possibilities of getting an apartment and on which physician you may consult, on who will help you during pregnancy and also on health insurance. Municipal Accommodation Facility Towns provide residential space where people without their own accommodation can live for a limited period. Municipal Integration Centres Many towns and districts have established Municipal Integration Centres for the purpose of combining education and Integration. These centres further develop education concepts and topics from the fields of health, industry and sport in educational facilities. 43

44 Glossary NRW Consumer Advisory Service The advice centres of the NRW Consumer Advisory Service provide independent advice and information on contracts and purchasing goods as well as almost any consumer problem. Advice can be provided face-to-face, over the telephone or by . Within the scope of the extrajudicial legal advice and representation offered by the centres, they render assistance in enforcing justified claims against providers. NRW IQ Network The NRW IQ Network is a federal government development programme ( network integration through qualification ). It offers those with vocational qualifications obtained abroad and who are seeking advice a wide range of services to help them integrate in the labour market through counselling, through support regarding the procedure for the recognition of vocational qualifications and through qualification. Passport or Replacement Papers A passport or replacement paper is a travel document for refugees/aliens issued by German authorities in place of a travel document issued by their own state. Refugees/aliens are eligible for these papers if they do not have a passport or cannot reasonably be expected to obtain a new passport. They are not entitled to the issue of a passport or replacement papers. Professional Development Counselling Programme (BBE) All BBE advice centres can provide you with free counselling on professional development and qualifications tailored to your specific situation and needs. In addition, the BBE specialist advice centres offer individual counselling on the vocational qualifications you have obtained abroad and the possibilities of having them recognised in Germany. This counselling includes assisting you in applying for recognition of your vocational qualifications, supporting you in the case of problems related to this procedure and helping you to find ways of obtaining additional qualifications which may be required. 44

45 Proof of Arrival see also Certificate of Registration as an Asylum Seeker (BüMA) Proof of arrival is issued when an alien who is seeking asylum and whose personal data has been collected has not yet applied to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees for asylum. Registration Certificate This is your official proof of residence. The Registration Certificate is obtainable at the Residents Registration Office. Residents Registration Office/Citizens Services Office This agency is responsible for registering places of residence in order to ensure that there is a complete list of all the residents in a given municipality. The agency is also located in the respective municipality. You can register and de-register here and also have documents officially certified. Social Security Card This card proves that you are insured under the statutory social security system. It can ensure that you receive financial support if you become unemployed or retire. When you take up employment, you must show your employer this card if requested to. You will normally receive the card from your health insurance company. Social Security Office This department of your town or district administration provides social support, for example if you are unable to cover the cost of living, if you have a severe disability or if you need help on account of your age. 45

46 Glossary Vocational Training Training under the dual system takes place both in a company and at a vocational college. It takes between 2 and 3-and-a-half years, depending on the vocation. A training contract is signed with the company. The trainee receives an allowance during the training period. There are also schools that specialise in vocational training such as full-time vocational schools (Berufsfachschulen) and technical colleges (Fachakademien), particularly for professions in the health sector. Women s Support Facilities These facilities offer advice and support to women who have been traumatised by violence. These include, in particular, women s shelters, women s general counselling centres, women s initiatives against sexual violence and specialised counselling centres for victims of human trafficking. Youth Migration Service The Youth Migration Services advise young immigrants from the age of 12 up to the age of 27. In NRW there are approximately 80 Youth Migration Services, so there is sure to be one near you. These services will help you with all matters related to education and training. Many of them also offer leisure activities for young people. 46

47 Editorial Information Publisher Ministry of Labour, Integration and Social Affairs of the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia Fürstenwall Düsseldorf Fax The publisher would like to take this opportunity to thank the Linguistic Services Division of the Federal Office of Languages for its assistance. Layout wppt:kommunikation GmbH Printed In-house printing MAIS, December nd edition, revised as of June 2016 This publication can be ordered or downloaded under: 47

48 Ministerium für Arbeit, Integration und Soziales des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen Fürstenwall Düsseldorf Fax